Officials Hope Streetscape Work Can Be Done Before Winter Sets In

Borough officials are hopeful that the work to refurbish the next two phases of the Boulevard Streetscape Project can still be done before cold temperatures set in but the timing of the project depends on how soon final steps with PSE&G will be completed. 

According to Ken Job, borough engineer, the next step in the process involves getting the red line drawings for the lighting approved by PSE&G. Council members discussed concerns as to whether any delays from PSE&G could cause the project to be pushed off until next spring if the work can not be done during the cold months which are quickly approaching.

The borough is waiting on other matters for PSE&G to take care of including the removal of old lights to the Boulevard along Washington up to Jefferson, the first two phases of the streetscape project. Job said that the borough has been waiting for more than a year for them to take them down. All the work to refurbish the streets with new sidewalks, new lighting and walkways is complete but they can’t close out the project until these lights are taken down.

Mayor Rose Heck asked Job to put this matter in writing as she will be attending the League of Municipalities meeting with the state Department of Environmental Protection and Board of Public Utilities in regards to the non-responsiveness of PSE&G and other matters.

The for phases three and four of the streetscape improvement project, the area of the Boulevard from Jefferson to Franklin to Hamilton.  The borough had combined the work for these streets into one project in order to save time and funds.

Councilman Justin DiPisa asked Job if cold temperatures will affect the use of certain materials which could push the project off. Job explained that limit for use of concrete would be below freezing and below 50 degrees for the thermoplastic material which is used for the walkway.

Councilman David Gonzalez asked what would happen if temperatures dropped below freezing after concrete was laid in and what could be done to protect it. Job said there are additives that can be used to speed up the drying process in the winter months but there are also materials they can use to cover it as well. He explained that after a few hours concrete begins to actually give off its own heat.

Job stated that if the project were to be moved to next spring it would not affect the borough’s contract to have the work done nor would it affect the grant funding which will all still be in place even if the work does not begin before the end of the year.

The project is funded predominantly by grant money from the state Department of Transportation.  To date the borough has received $590,000 from the state towards four phases of the project. The borough has added on $160,000 towards additional costs. Each phase is considered one block, both sides of the Boulevard.

The to fund construction to refurbish the Boulevard from Hamilton to Walter.